2017 NFL Draft Positional Rankings: Final Defensive Rankings

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 6
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

This is the final look at my 2017 NFL Positional Rankings on the defensive side of the ball.

My defensive 2017 NFL Positional Rankings feature a lot of top-end prospects. The early part of the draft will be very defense heavy as that’s where the majority of premier talent exists. However, this group also has a ton of depth.

The cornerback position is among the deepest groups to come along in awhile. We could see as many as 20 selected in the first 2 rounds. Playmakers can be found at both cornerback and safety which will fill a lot of team needs.

There are also a lot of high-end pass rushing prospects in this draft. Myles Garrett is the top overall player and has a chance to be something special. However, others like TakkMcKinley and Derek Barnett also have a chance to be dominant.

The middle rounds could see some smaller school prospects like Youngstown State’s Derek Rivers and Ohio’s Tarell Basham dominate the headlines. Both are big-time playmakers who could develop into elite NFL players.

These rankings are based on my own option after hours of film study. Expect to see a lot of differences between my rankings and others that can be found on the internet.